Method for producing unwoven novel oriented pre-stressed web

Abstract

The teachings of the present invention, described in part by reference to a specific embodiment in the following specification, illustrate a novel family of pre-stressed and oriented unwoven fiber webs and products constituting these webs, which are produced according to novel methods practiced by utilizing novel apparatus and equipment. More simply stated, patent protection is sought for the product, methods of making the product, and the equipment used in the methods.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of forming a web of at least a plurality of fibers oriented in at least one predetermined direction, comprising steps which include: conveying a bale of fibers to a bale opening station, opening the bale, feeding the opened fibers to a carding engine, carding said fibers, coiling sliver of said fibers, lapping slivers, causing a plurality of fibers to be oriented in substantially parallel configuration with respect to one another, causing at least some of said oriented fibers to be interconnected with one another at a plurality of portions spaced longitudinally along their respective lengths, causing at least some of said interconnecting portions initially spaced a first distance from one another to be moved such that they are a second and greater distance from one another, and applying stabilizing resin to said interconnecting fiber portions and facilitating curing of said stabilizing resin prior to release of stress caused by said movement to the greater distance, thereby enhancing the ability of said web to withstand stresses applied thereto.